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Mediterranean Kitchen Design Ideas

Posted by Melissa Hollobaugh on Dec 27th 2023

Over the years, Mediterranean-style kitchen designs have grown in popularity. The styles are known for their open floor plan, natural lighting, and warm, rustic feel. This is a great aesthetic if you're looking for a kitchen design that offers timeless elegance and a vibrant color palette.

If you like the warm tones and natural elegance of Mediterranean-style kitchen cabinets and designs. You've come to the right place! We put together a list of the top 10 ways to add a European flair to your kitchen.

What Is a Mediterranean-Style Kitchen?

Mediterranean-style kitchens thrive on authenticity, creativity, and charming details. It draws inspiration from countries that are on the Mediterranean Sea. This includes countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. These countries are known for their warm color palettes and rustic details. These kitchens use natural materials like rustic beams, hand painted tiles, and textured finishes to make a home feel more inviting. This style also uses colors that mimic the Mediterranean views and lifestyle.

Eight Ways to Achieve a Mediterranean-Style Kitchen

There are many ways to achieve this look. When exploring the different Mediterranean kitchen cabinet designs and stylistic choices, you'll want to pick and choose what best aligns with your vision for your project. The goal is to find balance while staying true to the Mediterranean style.

Here are eight ways to get started:

1. Colorful Backsplashes or Decorative Mosaic Tiles

Mediterranean-style kitchens thrive on elegant textiles, textures, and bold color choices. Colorful backsplash and mosaic tiles will help you add an authentic touch to your Mediterranean-style kitchen. This is an easy way to incorporate Mediterranean-style designs and patterns into your space or add a pop of color.

Mediterranean-Style Kitchen with Decorative Mosaic Tiles

Courtesy of Tiffany Brooks Interiors 

2. Playful Pops of Color

European-style kitchen cabinets thrive on warm, inviting color palettes that remind you of the Amalfi coast or vinos de pago. There are many ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen and to make your space feel more lively and inviting. Some popular methods include:

  • Bold Mediterranean cabinet door colors
  • Accent walls or rugs
  • Picture frames and decorative artwork
  • Colorful light fixtures or a chandelier
  • Bold floor tiles or mosaic tiles

You'll want to ensure you don't go overboard with the pops of color. The best way to stay true to the Mediterranean-style kitchen is to find a harmonious balance.

Playful Pops of Color for a Mediterranean-Style Kitchen

Courtesy of HI Sugarplum

3. Incorporate Mediterranean-Inspired Accent Decor

Mediterranean-style kitchens feature warm colors and charming details that complement the Mediterranean lifestyle. To get the Mediterranean look, you'll want to incorporate accent decor that complements the aesthetic and ties together the different elements in your kitchen.

A great way to do this is to consider adding a colorful rug or decorative art. If you're doing a complete remodel, you can consider adding a beam in your ceiling made of reclaimed wood or an arch to your doorways.

Mediterranean-Inspired Accent Decor

Courtesy of Jenna Sue Design

4. Play With Bold Kitchen Cabinet Colors

If you prefer painted cabinet doors over solid wood options, consider opting for a warm and inviting Mediterranean-style color choice. This is a great way to make your kitchen more welcoming and homey. Great colors to consider for a European-style kitchen include:

  • Sage or olive green
  • Warm white or beige
  • Terracotta
  • Pale blue

A simple yet modern option to consider is a Shaker Style Cabinet Door. This option is available in a paint-grade option. Shaker cabinet doors are more of a European-style cabinet door. This means the timeless elegance of the style will look great in your kitchen for years to come.

For a complete Mediterranean-style kitchen, consider pairing these color choices with brass or gold accents. These vintage details will elevate the rustic charm of the Mediterranean style.

5. Add Contrast With Nature-Inspired Colors

Adding contrast is a great way to add drama and definition to your kitchen. The best way to achieve this with a Mediterranean-style kitchen is to play with warm colors, earthy elements, and natural textures.

To modernize the look, we recommend a mix-and-match cabinet door look. You can gain beautiful contrast in your space with rich brown lower cabinets and all-white top cabinets. When paired with a vibrant backsplash and colorful textiles, you'll achieve a more modernized Mediterranean look.

6. Consider Cabinets With Ornate Details

Cabinets with intricate details and ornate designs are great for Mediterranean aesthetics. They complement the rustic details and add more depth and dimension to the kitchen.

A great option to consider is our Camden cabinet doors. This is a beaded cabinet door that features beaded grooves and delicate details. It combines the beauty of modern and traditional designs, making it a perfect choice for your Mediterranean kitchen cabinets.

7. Invest in Solid Wood Cabinets

Cherry, alder, walnut, and hickory are great solid wood choices for Mediterranean-style kitchens. These wood types have a rich, warm color that complements the rustic charm of the Mediterranean. Consider adding a stain to the kitchen cabinet door to enhance the natural beauty of the wood type of your choice.

8. Rustic Cabinets

Rustic cabinets typically feature clean lines, simple constructions, and subtle ornate details. They are functional and feature decorative details that complement vintage or antique kitchen designs.

If you like the look of natural wood, the best wood types for rustic cabinets are oak, pine, or hickory. You can easily add a stain to enhance the natural beauty of the wood type and grain pattern.

A great rustic cabinet option is our Manhattan Cabinet Door. The style features a raised center panel with a cut and scooped panel cut. If you like the look of painted cabinet doors but still want that rustic look, consider a warm red or brown and pair it with vintage-style hardware. Great options include knobs with a satin champagne finish or wrought iron handles.

Photo by IMPROVE or MOVE - Discover kitchen design inspiration

Shop Mediterranean Style Cabinets at CabinetDoors.com

At CabinetDoors.com, we offer a variety of Mediterranean-style cabinets that will complement the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve. Whether you want to add a bold color palette with shaker kitchen cabinets or invest in rustic cabinets, we're here to help.

All of our cabinets are custom-made and made to order. We strive to provide next-level craftsmanship and superior quality.

Explore our selection of custom-made cabinets today to get started. 

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